Charles Wholey is an accomplished construction superintendent serving the Reno and Carson City, Nevada areas. With extensive expertise in construction management, safety compliance, and customer service, he has built a reputation for reliability and precision. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in construction, Charles was influenced by his father, Byron Wholey, who ran Wholey Construction, instilling in him a strong work ethic and leadership mindset from an early age.
After graduating from North Valleys High School, Charles pursued higher education to enhance his technical and management skills. He earned an Associate of Science from Truckee Meadows Community College in 2020, followed by an Associate of Applied Science in Technology from Western Nevada College in 2021. He then completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management in 2023, graduating summa cum laude.
Charles began his career as a Safety Officer and SWPPP Manager at CC Builders, where he developed a strong foundation in compliance and site management. Today, as a Construction Superintendent at LT Builders, he oversees projects with a focus on efficiency, safety, and quality. Outside of work, he is an active community volunteer and outdoor enthusiast, enjoying camping, golf, and snowboarding. His dedication to excellence and leadership makes him a valuable asset to the construction industry.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early—usually before sunrise. The first thing I do is review the day’s schedule, check weather conditions (which can be a major factor in construction), and go over any updates with my team before heading to the job site. Once I’m there, I walk the site to ensure everything is progressing safely and according to plan. A big part of my job is problem-solving, so I stay flexible and keep communication open with contractors, suppliers, and project managers.
I keep my day productive by prioritizing safety and efficiency. Every decision I make is about keeping the job on track while ensuring everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. I also believe in leading by example—if I expect my team to be detail-oriented and disciplined, I need to embody that myself.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Construction isn’t just about following blueprints—it’s about adapting, innovating, and problem-solving. I bring ideas to life by breaking them down into actionable steps and collaborating with the right people. If I see a more efficient way to manage workflow or a safer way to complete a task, I’ll discuss it with my team, get their input, and implement it if it makes sense.
I also believe in the power of hands-on experience. No idea is worth anything if it doesn’t hold up in real-world conditions. Whether it’s a new safety protocol or a different project management approach, I test it, adjust it, and refine it based on actual site conditions.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Sustainable building practices. The construction industry is evolving, and I’m excited about the push toward more energy-efficient designs, eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction. I’ve always believed that construction should be about more than just completing a job—it should be about creating something that lasts and benefits the environment as well.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Routine and preparation. I always plan my day the night before, so when I wake up, I already have a clear vision of what needs to be done. Construction moves fast, and if you’re not prepared, you’re constantly playing catch-up. Having a solid game plan allows me to stay ahead of issues rather than reacting to them.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient. When I was younger, I wanted to move up fast, take on bigger projects, and prove myself right away. But I’ve learned that experience is just as important as ambition. Every challenge teaches you something, and sometimes the best lessons come from the toughest situations. Slow down, absorb everything, and trust the process.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe perfection in construction doesn’t exist, but excellence does. There will always be unpredictable factors—weather, supply chain issues, human error—but the key is how you adapt and problem-solve. Some people chase perfection at the expense of efficiency, but I think the best approach is to strive for excellence while being adaptable.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Walk the site. No matter how much planning you do, nothing replaces physically being there, observing progress, and talking to your team face-to-face. I can spot small issues before they become big problems just by being present and engaged on-site.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and reset. Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths, grabbing a coffee, or going for a quick walk, sometimes a short break is all it takes to regain focus. I also find that spending time outdoors—camping, snowboarding, or playing golf—helps me clear my mind and come back with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships. In construction, your reputation is everything. The industry is built on trust—trust that you can meet deadlines, stay within budget, and keep workers safe. I’ve always prioritized strong communication and reliability, and that has opened doors for new opportunities throughout my career.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated how much impact one small mistake could have on an entire project. I overlooked a minor scheduling conflict, which led to a delay in materials arriving, which then pushed back multiple stages of the job. It was a hard lesson, but it taught me the importance of triple-checking logistics and staying ahead of potential issues. Since then, I’ve become a firm believer in over-communication and proactive problem-solving.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that provides real-time construction site updates, integrating safety compliance checks, materials tracking, and task assignments. There are some tools out there that do parts of this, but a fully integrated system that simplifies everything in one place would be a game changer.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Procore. It’s a great tool for project management in construction. I use it to track progress, manage documents, and coordinate with different teams. Having everything in one place saves time and keeps everyone on the same page.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. It’s all about taking full responsibility for your work, your team, and your results. That mindset has shaped how I lead and handle challenges. When something goes wrong, I don’t point fingers—I focus on finding a solution.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed Ford v Ferrari. It’s about leadership, perseverance, and trusting the process—things I relate to in construction. The way Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles worked through constant setbacks to achieve something great resonates with me. Plus, I love a good underdog story.
Key learnings
- Preparation and Leadership Drive Success
- Balance and Continuous Growth Matter
- Relationships and Reputation Are Key